Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Bsun Olive offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials, resulting in a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel out of the box. Ideal for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing, this switch is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive boasts all-POM housings that produce a resonant, deep sound, coupled with pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying user experience. Categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, these medium-weight switches feature a unique design and long pole stem for a crisp bottom-out sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, which offers an exclusive and unique sound profile. This blend is designed to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the Bsun Olive features a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile. While both offer a pleasing typing experience, the Keygeek Raw's top housing may provide a more distinct and exclusive sound compared to the Olive.
On the bottom housing front, the Keygeek Raw incorporates a UMPE & Si blend that is also exclusive to their switches. This blend brings its own set of qualities to the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Similarly, the Bsun Olive utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to the overall deep and muted sound profile of the switch. While both bring their own unique characteristics to the table, the Keygeek Raw's bottom housing may offer a different typing experience compared to the Olive due to its exclusive blend.
When comparing the overall housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Bsun Olive, it is evident that they both prioritize creating a pleasing and unique sound profile. While the Keygeek Raw utilizes a blend of Nylon & UPE for its top housing and UMPE & Si for its bottom housing, the Bsun Olive sticks to POM material for both the top and bottom housing. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in their differences. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is unclear what force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force is 57.5 grams, which is considered medium in terms of heaviness. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This makes the Keygeek Raw lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Bsun Olive, but heavier in terms of bottom out force. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, individuals should consider their preference for lighter or heavier forces when selecting between the two switches for their keyboard.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent feedback and feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. The equal travel distance of both switches makes them suitable options for those who prefer a standard key travel experience without any significant differences in key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of uses whether for beginners or advanced users. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by a resonant and deep sound quality, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Looking at the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured typing experience right out of the box, providing a slightly tactile feel that some users may find appealing. The mild and subtle qualities of the Keygeek Raw switch make it a safe and approachable option for most users. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, with a pronounced bump that enhances the typing sensation. This switch is suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a snappy responsiveness.
Taking all of this information into account, it's clear that the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a neutral sound and a mild, textured feel, the Keygeek Raw switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a resonant, deep sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feel, the Bsun Olive switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the following factors: if you prioritize a unique material blend that provides a creamy yet lightweight typing experience along with the option to hand-lube your switches, then the Keygeek Raw may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an all-POM housing that delivers a resonant, deep sound and offers pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience, then the Bsun Olive might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a slightly textured and mild typing experience (Keygeek Raw) or a switch with accentuated tactile feedback that is invigorating and sharp (Bsun Olive). Consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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